by Danielle L. Hunter

Created on: July 10, 2009

Looking for a great family vacation in Ohio? It is easy to choose amusement park destinations like Cedar Point and Kings Island, but with 44,828 total square miles, the state of Ohio has much more to offer. From splashing in the water to experiencing life on a cattle ranch and cave exploration, Ohio has something for every member of the family.

At Ohio's newest state park, Maumee Bay Resort is located on the Lake Erie shoreline near Toledo. Your family can stay in one of the 120 guest rooms with a private balcony or patio, at a pet-friendly cottage or set up camp at the nearby family campground. Have fun in the sun at the beach and rent a jet ski, reserve a tee time at the resort's links-style golf course or fish for walleye at the lake. Children can choose from many activities including hayrides, arcade games, sand volleyball and running around at the playground. The resort offers a variety of dining options including Water's Edge Restaurant and special accommodation packages are also available. Reservations can be made online at www.maumeebayresort.com.

Another great Lake Erie vacation spot is South Beach Resort in Marblehead. The family can enjoy a jacuzzi room at the resort's hotel or one of 18 private cottages each equipped with a kitchen. From swimming, boating and volleyball to a pirate ship sun deck, South Beach Resort has a lot to offer and is only a short drive to Cedar Point and the African Safari Wildlife Park. Your family can also relax on a ferry as it takes you to Put-in-Bay or one of the other Lake Erie islands. To book your family getaway at South Beach Resort and receive special pricing at Mon Ami Restaurant and Historic Winery, go to www.sbresort.com.

Located right outside of Columbus, Cherry Valley Lodge is home to Coco Key Water Resort. Coco Key is the largest indoor water resort in Ohio with 50,000 square feet of water activities. Families can play in the water and watch videos at the Dip-in Theater, take a scenic bike ride and gather together for dinner at Sunflowers Restaurant. Cherry Valley Lodge is the "only hotel in the nation that is also an arboretum and botanical garden" with 200 guest rooms and 16 jacuzzi suites available for reservations. Visit www.cocokeywaterresort.com to reserve a room at Cherry Valley Lodge.

Get back to nature on "400 acres of family camping fun" at Long's Retreat Family Resort in Latham, located in southern Ohio. Your family can stay in an air-conditioned cabin or sleep under the stars at a lakeside

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>